Snow, trails, fishing reported good on Lake of the Woods

Fish houses are being moved farther out from Baudette on Lake of the Woods, reports Sportsman's Lodge, in an effort to find more walleyes.

Here's the report filed by Sportsman's on Thursday:

"We now have fish houses scattered from 5-7 miles outside of Pine Island all the way up to 20-25 miles away near Garden Island and Bridges. The ride is a bit longer and we can no longer provide hot lunches due to the distance, but we feel having the capability to find the best bite is worth it.

"Some of the best fishing has been found in 24 to 28 feet of water in the southern houses and 23 to 26 feet and 28 to 32 feet in the houses on the reefs. A mix of jigging and dead sticking is suggested. One rod of each is best at this time.

"Vexilars/fish finders are helpful. At times anglers are saying it can be a timid bite, so you want to really get the feel for the nibble and set the hook at just the right time. The good old reliable gold jig and minnow or plain hook with a minnow head has been doing best for tackle.

"Other notable tackle lately has been the Macho Minnow #29 and buck shots with a shine or shimmer to them. The days are getting longer, the sun is shining more and that usually gets the fish more active. We can have our fish houses out on the lake until March 31.''

Ice Conditions
"Currently there are 3 feet of ice in areas Sportsman's travels and fishes and a few feet or better of snow cover.''